2010 Game Hint #2

[Taylor]

The gate is standard issue from past years - it serves as an ingress/egress point for the robots and field crew. The "horizontal" part of the gate is external to the field; the "vertical" part flexes down to provide a ramp. However, I'm puzzled by the bar above the diamond plate. I know there is a hinge on the right side to allow it to flex vertical to let the robot(s) through, but I can't tell what that pin on the left side is. Was there a spring mechanism to lock it in place that I'm forgetting? As I recall, it was just a round pipe that the removable polycarb section would slide on.

I'm having trouble visualizing a wide gate in the middle of the field. Traditionally, that is where the scoring table would be. If robots enter/exit through the middle of the field, they would be going over a LOT of wires connected to the field. This leads me to two conclusions: either the field is completely wireless and the scoring table is somewhere completely different, or there is one main entry/exit point on one side of the field. Perhaps there is a large field component directly across from this gate that would take up too much space to allow gates on the other side. This gives me trouble, too - FIRST fields have been traditionally symmetrical both horizontally and vertically. Because there are so many different configurations of arenas that host FIRST events and offseasons, this has been a necessity.

[Robert Cawthon]

Originally Posted by Karibou

I know that the flooring isn't very detailed, but it looks like another year of regolith to me.

Any ideas on what those yellow things are? They look like they're slightly elevated , and held in place by the side of the field.

Not Regolith. Those yellow things are normally heavy plastic or aluminum with velcro on the bottom to grab the railing and hold it in place and to keep people from tripping over the support. If that is what they are again this year, it looks to me like we are back on carpet! YEAH! I didn't like the regolith.

Also, the wider? gates could indicate a slightly longer field if the other parts are used from previous years.

[JesseK]

Perhaps the GDC tried to create a field where the 2009 KOP wheels could be used for high traction ?

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by DUCKY

It is missing the Plexiglas/Lexan sections that have protected the sides of the field for the last 3 or 4 years though.

Maybe they just removed that to make the objects in this image more visible? I don't know why they would decide to be THAT nice, though.

This is only my 3rd year in FRC. I've always known the field with the plastic siding. Was that nonexistent in previous years?

[Bob Steele]

Originally Posted by bduddy

To make this clearer, look at this picture:
http://usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/FE-00032.pdf

Assuming the basic shape and construction of the field is the same, including the yellow plates (a big assumption!), there could very easily be four gates, each between a pair of the yellow plates. Aside from that, the gates appear to look the same way they always have. Of course, they might just be pulling a fast one on us...

My only reaction to the yellow plates is that they are there for a purpose. ( And have been for a number of years...)
they cover up a brace (which lies underneath) to hold up the side of the field.

Two would be necessary for two braces.... on last year's field... a brace on the side closest to the end was NOT necessary because of the way the field was constructed in the corners.

If anything if we make the assumption that the gates are in the same place as other years in relation to the ends, this would indicate that the corners of the field are not like last year and need a brace on the outside to support the side of the field.

Another assumption could be made that the gates have been moved closer to the middle... and that more bracing is needed because of that...

Remember its a render... and not complete...hence the absence of detail.

I say it means "not regolith" and that's about all we can say..

I can't wait until HINT #3 which will come on Saturday...around 7:00 AM my time....

It will be a really big hint....

[TD912]

Originally Posted by JesseK

Perhaps the GDC tried to create a field where the 2009 KOP wheels could be used for high traction ?

Unless they are giving us different wheels this year... Or the GDC threw us a curveball and the field will be grey colored regolith... >_>

[AcesJames]

I have a feeling that the shadow of the railing is really important in this hint, for some odd reason. I don't know why, it's just my initial impression. Plus, Dave did say not to see things as they appear. A shadow of the field might somehow tell a different story than the field pieces themselves.

Just food for thought.

[JKWarrior]

Here is the hint http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr....aspx?id=16119

[the man]

The yellow things move up, vision target...

[TD912]

Just wondering, but should this be in the Rumor Mill board?

[Peter Matteson]

Originally Posted by Karibou

This is only my 3rd year in FRC. I've always known the field with the plastic siding. Was that nonexistent in previous years?

The plastic siding has more or less been game object dependent.
2003 - boxes, no siding
2004 - 13" diamter balls, siding
2005 - Tertras, no siding
2006 - Poof balls, siding
etc.

I wouldn't read into this too much though because we don't know the detail level of the render. Siding may have been left off for clarity so we would see something else.

[jamie_1930]

For anyone still trying to find the picture themselves it's right herehttp://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr....aspx?id=16119
when you go to usfirt.org you need to click the frc tab at the top and then the link will be at the updates section underneath the picture

My thought right now is that were back to the regular old carpet, but in my opinion everyone will be so excited that they can have robots with high traction they'll lack maneuverability in their design. I think that last years wheels may even come in handy if used right.

Also, and I really hope this is it, I think that since many people have been saying the gate looks like it's been shifted down towards the middle of the field (a little not to the middle). That this suggest there is a type of field element in the way. This supports what several students and mentors have been saying on my team, that we will be seeing some ramps this year.

[JKWarrior]

the yellow could be stations for human players, such as a few years ago when we had to stack tertas and the tetras were hand put in the field by stations similar to these

[jamie_1930]

Originally Posted by TD912

Just wondering, but should this be in the Rumor Mill board?

It seems like it should be to many people and that's why we have to keep answering this question. No, the Game Hints are released officially by FIRST so it's not a rumor, it's a clue.

[Karibou]

Originally Posted by Peter Matteson

The plastic siding has more or less been game object dependent.
2003 - boxes, no siding
2004 - 13" diamter balls, siding
2005 - Tertras, no siding
2006 - Poof balls, siding
etc.

I wouldn't read into this too much though because we don't know the detail level of the render. Siding may have been left off for clarity so we would see something else.

I had guessed that it would likely be there if we were dealing with smaller objects/balls.
Hey, this may be a game trend that actually makes sense!